This document discusses the importance of childhood vaccinations for the upcoming school year. It notes that Maryland now requires students entering kindergarten to have two varicella vaccinations and students entering 7th grade to have a Tdap and meningococcal vaccination. The document emphasizes that immunizing children protects both their health and the health of others who cannot receive vaccines. It urges parents to schedule their child's checkup and ensure they receive all recommended vaccinations as part of back to school preparations.

1. Six Steps to Safer Fruits and Vegetables
By Dr. Barbara McLean, Chief, Bureau of Prevention and Protection
Baltimore County Department of Health
As the lazy days of summer come to an end, many parents with school-age children are beginning their
“Back to School” preparations. If you’re among them, be sure to include your child’s pediatric check-up
and/or annual immunizations on your list. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have a
list of recommended vaccinations (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html) your child
should receive— as well as when they should receive them. New this year in the State of Maryland, is a
law requiring specific vaccinations for children who are entering kindergarten and seventh grade for the
2014-2015 school year. The law requires that students entering kindergarten this fall must have two
varicella vaccinations. Meanwhile, students who are entering seventh grade must have one Tdap
(Tetanus-diphtheria-attenuated pertussis) and one meningococcal (MCV4) vaccination.
I can’t overemphasize the importance of immunizing your child. Millions of lives have been saved and
untold cases of diseases have been prevented because of vaccines and people’s adherence to getting
them. The number of cases of diseases that used to be common in this country, such as polio, measles,
diphtheria, and pertussis have decreased significantly and are now preventable thanks to vaccines. It’s
important to note that the germs that cause these illnesses continue to exist, so continued
immunization is critical to public health.
Additionally, immunization isn’t just good for your child’s health; it’s also good for those around him or
her. When you immunize your child, you help protect the health of others such as: a) those who are too
young to be vaccinated, b) those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons as well as c)
those for whom a vaccine may not be effective.
In closing, as you enjoy your final days of summer and begin your back-to-school shopping, I urge you to
include your child’s health among your plans. Here’s wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and safe
school year!
Dr. Linda Grossman is a pediatrician in Baltimore, Maryland. She received her medical degree from
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and has been in practice for 41 years.